Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts
producer refuses to pay
I'm a freelance videographer in Massachusetts's. I was hired to shoot footage for an independent film on five different dates over the past year. I considered the producer a ''friend'' and completed all work without contract, but for my agreed-upon hourly rate (which he has paid in years past). I allowed him to differ payment until after our final shoot in September. He now owes me $2,125 and refuses to pay, stating that I'm charging him for an extra hour or two not spent on his production, wich isn't true at all. He feels I ''owe him'' and should organize a 15 min shoot, out-of-state with his actress at my expense as well as hers (among other ludicrous claims). I've tried to keep communication clear but he continues to avoid payment.
Since my last request for immediate payment, he has responded with a large contract created by his lawyer that he wants me to sign... now long after the fact! I'm not sure what to do here. I've looked at www.vlama.org but feel that would take an arduous amount of time. I'm now considering going to small claims court, though I'd rather just receive my payment well overdue and get on with life.
One last note: I live in Massachusetts. The producer lives in Oregon. We shot in Massachusetts.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: producer refuses to pay
You should not sign any 'contract' or other document from this person's attorney, and you are under no obligation to do so.
You should first send written demand for the money owed with detailed evidence or timesheets indicating that it is owed - send this to the attorney and not your friend - and send it certified mail.
The next step would be filing a claim in small-claims court.
Please feel free to contact me should you require the assistance of an attorney.
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